summary: The interesting epidemiological study from Sweden reports the results following analysis of MS prevalence amongst Sweden’s immigrant population. The authors calculated observed versus expected numbers of MS patients and gender- and age-specific prevalence ratios between immigrant populations and the general population of Sweden and, where possible, populations of the countries of birth.

In line with other similar studies, they found that MS prevalence increased in migrants who moved to Sweden from countries with a lower MS risk. Interestingly, in Iranian migrants the prevalence exceeded that in the general population of Sweden. The authors suggest this might indicate that Iranians carry genetic factors that contribute to a higher MS risk when environmental-lifestyle MS risk factors change.

authors: Ahlgren C, Odén A, Lycke J.

source: Mult Scler. 2011 Dec 29. [Epub ahead of print]

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category: Epidemiology

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